Cain Velasquez is a free man. The former UFC heavyweight champion was released on parole Sunday, February 15, 2026, after serving nearly 11 months at the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad, California. His release marks a significant turn in a legal saga that began with his arrest in February 2022.
Velasquez, 43, was initially sentenced to five years in prison after pleading no contest to multiple charges, including attempted murder. However, he received credit for time already served – nearly nine months in jail prior to being granted bail in November 2022 and an additional 1,283 days credited at sentencing in March 2025. The parole comes earlier than initially anticipated, with eligibility originally slated for March, but expedited due to his participation in rehabilitative programming.
The case stemmed from a high-speed chase in February 2022, where Velasquez pursued a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte, who was accused of molesting Velasquez’s young son at a daycare owned by Goularte’s mother. During the 11-mile pursuit, Velasquez discharged a .40-caliber handgun at the vehicle, striking Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, in the arm. Bender sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Velasquez’s arrest and subsequent legal battle captivated the mixed martial arts world and sparked a heated debate about vigilantism and the lengths to which a parent will go to protect their child. While prosecutors initially sought a sentence of 30 years to life, Judge Arthur Bocanegra ultimately imposed a five-year term, acknowledging the extraordinary circumstances of the case.
Prior to reporting to prison in March 2025, Velasquez had resumed coaching at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California, and made appearances at professional wrestling events, as permitted by the courts. His return to the cage, however, remains uncertain.
The legal proceedings surrounding the incident are not entirely closed. Goularte continues to face a felony charge of lewd acts with a minor and is currently out on bail awaiting trial. Both Velasquez and Goularte are also involved in ongoing civil lawsuits. A restitution hearing is scheduled for March to determine the amount Velasquez will owe to the victim, Paul Bender.
Velasquez’s career in mixed martial arts was already marked by periods of injury and setbacks before this incident. He rose to prominence as a dominant heavyweight champion in the UFC, known for his relentless pressure, exceptional cardio, and devastating striking. He captured the UFC heavyweight title by defeating Brock Lesnar in October 2010 and defended it successfully on multiple occasions. However, injuries plagued his later career, limiting his ability to consistently compete at the highest level.
Following his retirement from MMA in 2019, Velasquez briefly transitioned to professional wrestling, working for Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide and WWE before being released from his WWE contract in April 2020 due to budget cuts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. His foray into wrestling, though short-lived, demonstrated his versatility as an athlete and entertainer.
Images and videos circulating online show Velasquez reuniting with his family upon his release, accompanied by a mariachi band, signaling a hopeful new chapter for the former champion. Velasquez has publicly apologized for his actions, stating he is at peace and harbors no ill will, even towards Goularte. While the future remains uncertain, his release from prison allows him to focus on his family and potentially explore new opportunities.
The incident and its aftermath serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of child abuse and the complex emotions that can drive individuals to desperate measures. The case also raises questions about the boundaries of justice and the role of personal responsibility in a legal system designed to uphold the rule of law.
